City’s sales tax income for September is $397,977.33

It was positive news for the City of Sedalia when the Sedalia News-Journal sat down with City Administrator Gary Edwards in a recent interview to discuss September’s sales tax figures.

Sales tax figures reported from September came in at $397,977.33. This is on par on with what was reported for September of 2011.

September 2011 figures came in at $398,028.98 for a difference of $51.65 compared to last year.

“That is up fairly significantly from the previous month when we were down 15 percent from the previous year,” Edwards said.

He added, “Bottom line it is going in the right direction for this period of time and it has bounced back from the previous month so we are hoping that trend continues.”

Sales tax figures from the previous month are reported during the first half of the current month.

“We are behind overall from where we were at last year. We are hoping as the year progresses that it will be made up,” Edwards said.

Edwards added, “We will see what happens at the next reporting period.”

The fiscal third quarter for the City of Sedalia will end on December 31 of this year. The City of Sedalia’s fiscal year ends on March 31, 2013. That gives the city five months to bounce back from the poor August sales tax collection.

When speaking of reasons for the increase of sales taxes from August to September, Edwards attributed the increase to a number of large festivals and functions during September.

“Large events had an impact. Any large event like those will have a positive impact.

“It is important that we continue to work closely together with Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, as well as the Chamber of Commerce,” Edwards explained of the symbiotic relationship of those organizations and the City of Sedalia.

“We all have the same goals as far as bringing people into the community and bringing jobs to the community.